Composite electrode.



W. A. SMITH.` COMPOSITE ELBGTRODB. PPPPPPPPPPPPPPP D mmf 1911.

1,032\,2'48 Patented July 9,1912.

SMITH,

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFTCE.

wIrLLrAivr A'cHEsoN sivirrri, or

iviAeAnA FALLS; New YORK, Assreivon 'ro INTER- NATIONAL ACHESON GRAPHITE COMPANY, 0F NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK, A

CORPORATION 0F NEW JERSEY.

COMPOSITE4 ELECTRODE.

Specification of Letters It'atent. Patnjed July 9, 1912 `Application 'filed .Tune 5, 1911, Serial No. v631,344.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, WILLIAM AcHEsoN a citizen of the United States, residing at Niagara Falls, in the county of Niagara and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Composite Electrodes, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates "to electrodes in tended particularly for electrot-hermic work,

-the object ofthe invention-beingthe provision of an improved composite electrode,

wherein the severalparts are firmly united. It is often desirable in connection with electrothermic operations to provide electrodes olf' large cross-sectional area and consisting of conductive members of .carbon or graphite in conjunction with a illing -or supporting body of lower electrical conduc tivity. a

According to the'present invention an interlocking engagement is provided between suchconductive member or members and the filling. This presents several technical advantages of great importance, among them a diminished liability to Afracture or separation under the extremes of temperature to which vthe electrode is submitted,-

and a greatly improved electrical-contact between the conductive members which receive the current and the mass of lower conductivity to which the current is usually in drawings, wherein-- part diverted.

Certain preferred embodiments of the in'-,

vention are shown inthe accompanying Figure l is a view in elevation of one Jform of electr-ode embodying the invention; Fig. 2 is a transverse section thereof on line II-II; Fig. 3 is aview in elevation of a modied form of electrode; and Fig. 4 is a transverse section on vlinelV--IV oi Fig. 3.

Referring to Figs-1 and 2, l, 1, indicate conductive members,` which are usually of graphite, although other forms of carbon or carbonaceous materials may be used; and

-manner as to hold the conductive 2 indicates a filling of lower `electrical conductivity.` In this embodiment of the invention the conductive members 1 are beveled at their edges asishown at 3, and the filling interlocks with these edges` in such v members irmlyin place under all conditions ufacture, transportation and use. An electrode of this kind is convenient-ly prepared by merely inserting the members l in a prismatic form andbasting therein the filling material 2, which may comprise for example a heat-ed mixture of carbon and tar, or a cement. or concrete of slag or other material not objectionable for the purposes for..

which the electrode is to be used; or the filling may consist of silica or other nonconductive or slightlyconductivematerial.

In Eigs. 3 and 4 the conductive-members 4 consist o'f rectangular prisms located at the corners of thecomposite electrode, and

provided on their interior faces with longitudinal grooves or depressions 5, with which the filling 2 interlocks. 'The manner of forming the electrode is as above described. f

Electrodes thus prepared may be baked by the usual methods,'in case the filling consists of a carbon-tar mixture or other composition capable of being hardened by heat. Preferably the conductive members are not completely embedded vin the iilling mass, but are exposed laterally in such manner that the electrical connectionsmay be appliedat any desired point in the length.

of the electrode, or may be arranged t0 slide thereon. In certain cases however a single member, interlocking with the filling, supporting or `embedding Vmass, may be used.-

The means for securing the interlocking connection may be varied as desired., and

:may comprise either depressions or projections of any kind in or upon the conductive member or members, and either integral therewith or in the form of pins or rods so disposed as to afford the necessary interlocking` connection between the components oil the electrode.

l. A composite electrode consisting of a graphite member or '1 nembers, and a supporting imiteriul of non-graphitic carbon interlocking therewith.

Q. A composite electrode consisting of a laterally-exposed condiictive member or l0 members, :1nd a iilling of lower electrical conductivity interlocking therewith.

In testimony whereof, l :iiiix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

WILLAM ACHESON SMITH. Witnesses:

ORRIN E. DUNLOP, C. A. TRYoN. 

